President Obama Calls for Unity in Victory Speech

CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama is sounding a conciliatory tone after his re-election victory, saying he has learned from those who supported him and those who opposed him. And he says he returns to Washington “more determined” and “more inspired.”

He said he’s hoping to work with Republicans to solve the nation’s problems.

He spoke to a cheering crowd in Chicago shortly after Mitt Romney told supporters in Boston that it’s time for the nation to unite behind the president.

“Tonight in this election you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.”

President Obama said he wants to meet with Romney to discuss how to work together.

In his 20-minute speech, President Obama touched on familiar themes he has emphasized throughout his presidency. He urged people to come together and said he would work with leaders in both parties to improve education, spur innovation, reduce debt and lessen global warming.

“We want to pass on a country that’s safe and respected and admired around the world. A nation that is defended by the strongest military on earth and the best troops this world has ever known,” he said.

He made references to victims of Superstorm Sandy and the Navy SEALS who killed Osama Bin Laden.

“This country has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich,” he said. “We have the most powerful military in history but that’s not what makes us strong. Our universities, our culture are the envy of the world but that’s not what keep the world coming to our shore.”

It’s “the belief that our destiny is shared, that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another.”

As he starts his second term, Obama will once again be dealing with a Republican-controlled House and a Senate led by Democrats.

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